The Alliance of Professional Tattooists

 

This section was contributed by Pat Sinatra, a professional tattoo artist and vice president of the organization: The Alliance of Professional Tattooists (APT), Inc. is a professional standards organization that was established in March 1992 and officially incorporated in June ‘92 as a non-profit organization (contributions, fees and educational materials are tax deductible.

Their activities:
  • Continuing education to artists
  • Offers accurate, up-to-date information about communicable diseases through seminars
  • Is interested in preserving tattooing as an artform
  • Monitors legislative activity to prevent over-regulation (controlled or banned)
  • Believes in keeping the art of tattooing safe and legal through education, knowledge and awareness
  • Offers reliable information to tattoo lovers about safe tattoo practices to ensure your health.

Headquartered in Maryland, its international membership has expanded from the US to Canada, Europe and other countries. They are currently establishing state chapters with state directors. Their nine-hour seminar entitled, “Preventing Disease Transmission in Tattooing,” is taught by APT secretary, Dr. Kris Sperry (Fulton County Medical Examiner, involved with tattooing for over 10 years).

Designed in 1988 to educate health care workers (including tattooists) in the prevention of infection and the implementation of professional standards,the program was specifically redesigned in 1991-1992 for the needs of the tattooist and is the standard for APT members. Since the 1991 Bloodborne Pathogens Rule, APT, Inc. has designed this manual for tattooists.

PDTT is presented in various locations throughout the country at a one time fee of $125.00 (APT members) or $300.00 (non-members). This course is open to the Professional and Associate levels only. Members are required to complete this seminar within two years after initial application.

While we have noted that many individuals are promoting videos on this subject, OSHA (the US Occupational Safety & Health Association that regulates work-environment safety) says that an infection control program cannot be taught by video, but by an on-site knowledgable individual on site.

OSHA believes that the in-person interaction between instructor and student is vital to the education of this serious subject, and that individual questions regarding infection control, universal precautions, disease transmission, pathology, etc., must be answered by a knowledgeable, credible instructor such as Dr. Sperry.